Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mira... crash, Oct 26, 2007 (3 killed)
Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class) accident on October 26, 2007 near Invermere, British Columbia, Canada with 3 fatalities. Cause: An...
- Date: October 26, 2007
- Aircraft: Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class)
- Location: Invermere, British Columbia, Canada
- Fatalities: 3
- Phase of flight: En route
- Cause: An unapproved part in the alternator coupling released debris that partially blocked oil flow to a connecting rod bearing, causing bearing and fastener failure and an in-flight engine failure. The engine knocking was not reported, and the aircraft flew without the oil filler cap in place.
A privately operated Piper Malibu PA-46-310P flying from Salem, Oregon toward Calgary lost its engine during the descent at night. The pilot tried to reach Fairmont Hot Springs but crashed in wooded terrain near Invermere, British Columbia. The TSB found that an unapproved part in the alternator coupling caused debris to block oil flow, which led to bearing failure and engine failure.